How is the shifting on these cars in general (yes I know this is difficult to explain in words)?

I just viewed a car with a very "loose" stick (didn't get a chance to buy it anyway since another buyer showed up 5 mins before me and had first dibs). While driving I didn't have any problem finding gears (no grinding or resistance even putting it into reverse from stop) but it still felt way "looser" than any 5speed I've used. My experience is very limited though (early 90's Ford Escort which my current daily and my dad's recently purchased Accent). I figured that the shift assembly was worn out and that the gearbox was probably fine but the car was very low mileage (160k) and I'm not an expert at all.